From Reuters: NATO has almost met its target for extra combat troops in Afghanistan but will press allies this week to meet a shortfall of up to 2,400 people to train Afghan security forces, its secretary general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said Monday.

Mr. Rasmussen said that almost all of the nations contributing to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force had offered to send more troops and that it was now close to the 40,000 additional soldiers it needs.

However, Mr. Rasmussen said the alliance was still short of 21 teams to train the Afghan Army and more than 100 teams to train the police so they can take over responsibility for security.

Mr. Rasmussen said he would urge allies to commit more at a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Istanbul on Thursday and Friday. “Allies and partners have made substantial contributions, but it isn’t yet sufficient,” he said at a news briefing. “I will continue to push hard on this.” (photo: NATO)